Leafhopper
Sap-feeding pest causing hopper burn and stippling.
Leafhoppers (Empoasca spp. and related species) feed using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing white stippling, hopper burn, leaf cupping and reduced vigour. Adults are very mobile and nymphs run sideways when disturbed. Biological controls include Orius species, Amblyseius swirskii and Beauveria bassiana, supported by good weed control and crop hygiene.
Biological Controls for Leafhopper
The species below are examples of beneficial organisms commonly used against leafhopper. Recommendations are based on published biological control information and practical IPM experience. Always confirm suitability for your crop, growing system and local conditions before use.
Chrysoperla carnea
Environment: outdoor
Temperature Range: 16.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 5–10 larvae per hotspot area
Frequency: Repeat 2–3 weekly as required
Lacewing larvae provide broad control of leafhopper nymphs on many outdoor crops.
Orius laevigatus
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 16.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: Orius 0.5–1 bug/m²; Chrysoline 5–10 larvae/hotspot
Frequency: Re-introduce after 3–4 weeks if needed
Generalist predators feeding on leafhopper nymphs and other soft-bodied pests. (Split from combo card.)
Chrysoperla carnea
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 16.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: Orius 0.5–1 bug/m²; Chrysoline 5–10 larvae/hotspot
Frequency: Re-introduce after 3–4 weeks if needed
Generalist predators feeding on leafhopper nymphs and other soft-bodied pests. (Split from combo card.)
Orius majusculus
Environment: all
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 0.5–2/m²
Frequency: introduce early; top up as needed
Leaf-active Orius suited to vegetative/leaf-feeding thrips and other small soft-bodied prey. Use as a support predator layer with monitoring.
Further BioWiki Reading
For more background on pest biology, beneficial insects and environmental factors, use the BioWiki alongside this practical control guide.
Related Biological Solutions
Growers dealing with leafhopper often also monitor these pests as part of a complete IPM programme: